Page 32 of Aiden

She hops onto the bed, throwing her head back in a fit of laughter as she falls beside me. “I can’t believe you’re here…in his bed. He let you stay? What is happening to my brother!”

I look over at her and throw my hands up in innocence “Nothing happened.”

She shakes her head. “Truly, I don’t want to know.” She saunters over to the drapery and throws them open, revealing the morning view of the bustling city below.

Grabbing my dress, she tosses it to me. “Take my brother’s shirt off and get dressed. We’re going out tonight and we need new clothes.” She dangles a black credit card between her fingers, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

“Out?” I’m unsure if I want too. Aiden did say to stay out of trouble.

She peels the covers back. “Yes, out. Now, up!”

I gesture for her to leave the room, not wanting her to be stuck with a vision of her brother and I that she won’t be able to get out of her head.

Now that Ash stepped out, I can reminisce on last night. My body may be a little sore, but Aiden handled me with so much care that my heart flutters when I think about it.

After we finished making love, the sheets were ruined. I was embarrassed and felt guilty for destroying his crisp white bedding, but he handled everything with such maturity that it made me realize, this is a man and how a man is supposed to treat a lady.

He wrapped me in the clean top sheet and took his time collecting our things and bundling up the other sheet to dispose of it. It was full circle; I gave him my virginity and he gave me the respect of not embarrassing me about the blood. He didn’t even flinch, as a real man should.

We showered together, silent but perfect as he swiped the soapy loofah across my skin, planting kisses as he rinsed me off. It was the first night I saw him let his guard down, his full dimpled smile graced me last night and my only fear now is him pulling that away and returning to the serious man he normally is.

The rooftop was decorated so beautifully. Aiden made losing my virginity the most romantic experience of my life, what I always dreamed it would be. I shouldn’t word it as a loss, as I don’t see it that way. No, it’s a gain. A new exploration of myself and I trust Aiden to hold it with respect, my first gift to him.

I spot a note on top of a blue box on the dresser.I had my shopper grab these for you. They’re for my eyes only. By the way, I’m only a town over. So, if you need me, just text me. Last night… it was fucking perfect Emma. I’ll be back before you wake up tomorrow, and again…stay out of trouble.

So, his first gift to me. I open the box to find a matching set of lingerie. I slip it on, seeing as I have nothing else to go under my dress. The lace is soft against my skin. I find myself tracing the places Aiden’s hands had been last night, longing for him to be back.

I sigh and slip my dress on before heading out. I find Ashley in the kitchen, surrounded by trays of food, fruits, pancakes, bacon and eggs. It looks like a breakfast buffet.

Ashley picks up a piece of paper and reads it in a deep voice, mocking Aiden. “I wanted to make sure you ate while I was gone.”

I laugh as I snatch the note away, moved by the sweet sentiment. I sit down and happily dig into the delicious food.

“What did you do to him?” She teases, as she walks around the spacious kitchen, admiring Aiden’s new apartment. She tosses a grape into her mouth. “I missed you so much.”

Walking around the bar top, I throw my arms around her neck. “I missed you too. How did it go with Brian?”

She flicks her wrist in the air dismissively. “Awful, I’m over him. That’s why I need a girl’s night. Plus, we’re in the city, which means better clubs!” She cheers, sliding my fake ID across the marble countertop.

“I don’t know, Ash,” I hesitate, sliding it back to her, unsure what Aiden will think.

“I’m not taking no for an answer. You may be staying here and doing God knows what with my brother, but you’re still my best friend and I have the power,” She declares.

We glide through moderate traffic thirty minutes later, arriving at a swanky boutique.

“So why are we here?” I run my hands along the fabric of a navy-blue dress. My fingers clasp against the price tag as I turn it to her.

She doesn’t flinch. “Shopping,” She states in an obvious tone. She pulls out the black card from her wallet and dangles it. “It’s Aiden’s.”

I shake my head. “You can use it, but I’m not.”

“He said you would say that.” She laughs. “I promise he gave me this card specifically for us to get something nice to wear tonight,” She assures.

I relax a little. I don’t want to spend his money, but if he insists.... Plus, I’ll wear it all the time.

“He knows we’re going clubbing?” I’m a little disappointed he doesn’t care if I party without him. I kind of like his jealous side.

“Not exactly...”

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